Objectively Reasonable: The legal standard used to determine the lawfulness and appropriateness of a use of force is the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. See Graham versus Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989). Graham states in part, The reasonableness of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight. The calculus of reasonableness must embody allowance for the fact that police officers are often forced to make split-second judgments - in circumstances that are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving - about the amount of force that is necessary in a particular situation. The test of reasonableness is not capable of precise definition or mechanical application. The force must be reasonable under the circumstances known to the officer at the time the force was used. Therefore, the Department examines all uses of force from an objective standard, rather than a subjective standard. (2009 LAPD Manual 1/556.10)

FORCE INVESTIGATION DIVISION

Force Investigation Division (FID) is responsible for the investigation of all incidents involving the use of deadly force of an LAPD officer. In addition, all use of force resulting in an injury requiring hospitalization commonly referred to as a Law Enforcement Related Injury (LERI). Investigative responsibility of FID also includes all deaths while the arrestee or detainee is in the custodial care of the LAPD, accidental and animal shootings and other investigations as directed by the Chief of Detectives.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The OIG is separate and independent from the Department. The OIG also reviews investigations specific to all officer-involved shootings and significant uses of force that result in death or hospitalization, as well as complaint investigations of police officer misconduct. The OIG conducts its own performance-related audits, as well as other reviews.